Dispensing wipes

Abstract

The invention relates to the dispensing of wipes ( 10 ), in which the wipe dispenser applies information to the wipe at the time of dispensing. The information can also be stored, so as to allow wipes to be controlled. When a wipe is disposed of, the information can be read from it, and by comparing this with the stored information it is possible to ascertain if any dispensed wipes have not yet been disposed of. If the information identifies the time of dispensation ( 14 a, 14 b ), the operator ( 12 ) and/or the number or length of wipes dispersed ( 16 ), then the location of missing wipes is facilitated.

1 - 9 . (canceled) 
   
   
       10 . A method of dispensing a wipe from a dispensing apparatus comprising marking the wipe, with information by means of the apparatus, and dispensing the wipe from the apparatus, wherein the apparatus is in an aerospace environment, the wipe is dispensed in response to a request from an operator the request includes inputting to the apparatus information identifying the operator, and the information is marked on the wipe after the request has been made and is determined by the request. 
   
   
       11 . A method according to claim  1  in which the step of marking the wipe with information comprises marking on the wipe any combination of the following:
 i. information identifying the operator   ii. information identifying the amount of wipe dispensed; and/or   iii. information identifying the time and/or date when the wipe was dispensed   
   
   
       12 . A method according to claim  2 , wherein the information identifying the operator comprises a user code, the method comprising the further step of comparing the user code to a database and determining thereform information further identifying the user. 
   
   
       13 . An apparatus for dispensing a wipe from a stock of wipe material comprising means for marking the wipe with information, and a wipe dispenser, wherein the apparatus is configured for use in an aerospace environment, and comprises means for receiving a request for a wipe and for inputting an identification of an operator making the request, the marking means being configured such that the information is marked on the wipe after the request has been made and is determined by the request. 
   
   
       14 . An apparatus according to claim  4 , wherein the means for receiving a request comprises a keypad. 
   
   
       15 . An apparatus for dispensing a wipe according to claim  4 , wherein the means for marking the wipe comprises any combination of the following:
 a printer for applying ink to the wipe;   a device for perforating the wipe; and/or   a device for indenting or embossing the wipe,   each being adapted to mark the wipe with information.   
   
   
       16 . A method for dispensing and collecting a wipe wherein upon dispensation according to the methods set out in claim  1  information marked on the wipe is recorded on a register, the method further comprising:
 collecting the wipe for disposal;   reading the information marked on the collected wipe;   recording the read information on a second register; and   comparing the contents of the registers and outputting any discrepancy therebetween.   
   
   
       17 . A method according to claim  7  comprising effecting the comparison in a computer memory in which the registers are incorporated.